March 06, 2003
Much-Vaunted JTTF Case Implodes
Meanwhile, the case against a local Muslim leader which was touted (locally, at least) as a high-profile example of how important and useful is the local Joint Terrorism Task Force imploded this week:
The spiritual leader of a Portland mosque pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to bilking the Oregon Health Plan, assuring he will get little or no jail time despite his highly publicized arrest and prosecution by federal antiterrorism agents.
The investigation of Mohamed Sheikh Abdirahman Kariye, became public Sept. 8 when agents of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force cleared a concourse at Portland International Airport and arrested Kariye as he was boarding an airplane with his two children and his brother.
This case did make national headlines at one point, because the authorities claimed that his luggage contained traces of explosives. As it turns out, this was pure bunk. And in the end, he pleads guilty to defrauding the Oregon Health Plan, will pay a fine, and go on with his life.
It's good to know that we have a Joint Terrorism Task Force to protect us from the clear and present danger of a little bit of health care fraud.